Fisherfolk on small bancas join volunteers from the Atin Ito Coalition and members of the media as they prepare to depart from Matalbis Port in Masinloc, Zambales, for the second civilian resupply mission to the West Philippine Sea on May 15, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday said it will send two vessels to ensure the safety of the participants of the "Atin Ito" coalition’s third civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea set from May 26 to 30.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said one 97-meter vessel and one 44-meter vessel will be deployed to secure the group, despite the mission being "civilian-led" and not initiated by the Philippine government.
AFP says ready to help ‘Atin Ito’ in third civilian mission to West Philippine Sea
“As far as the government is concerned, what we are only intending to do there is to provide safety and security... Ang interest naman natin dito ay siguraduhin na magiging ligtas itong convoy na gagawin ng Atin Ito,” Tarriela told reporters.
The official made the pronouncement following Wednesday’s tension between vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and China Coast Guard (CCG) near Pag-asa Island.
Philippines says China Coast Guard fired water cannon, 'sideswiped' govt vessel
A CCG vessel fired water cannon and sideswiped BRP Datu Sanday while it was conducting marine scientific research in the Pag-asa Cays.
Despite the incident, National Maritime Council spokesperson Alexander Lopez said the government still encourages the Atin Ito Coalition to continue its voyage.
“We are not actually concerned but we are expecting the worst-case scenario, and we have contingency plans for that,” Lopez said.
“Actually, these activities are being encouraged. While it is not government-initiated, it is a private-driven activity, nakakatuwa ang mga ganito and it shows ang concern ng ating mga mamamayan,” he added.
Third civilian mission to bring 'peace and solidarity concert' in West Philippine Sea
As part of the mission, a peace concert will be conducted in Palawan and the WPS, featuring renowned Filipino and international artists.
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